FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
How-To

Removing Vinyl Siding

By Patrick McCombe Issue 241 - Feb/Mar 2014
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Free of visible fasteners, vinyl siding may look impenetrable to the uninitiated, but it’s actually the easiest cladding to remove and replace for remodeling or repairs. Because cold weather makes it more difficult to work with vinyl siding and makes cracking the siding more likely, though, it’s best to wait for warmer temperatures before attempting removal.

Pulling vinyl apart is safer and easier to do with an inexpensive siding-removal tool. The tool’s small hook grabs the bottom of a siding course and pulls it free from the course below it. You can find the tool at home centers and siding dealers for about $6.

Where adjoining pieces overlap, you need to separate the courses. To make sure you’re not trying to unhook a molded area that won’t separate, look at the siding from below. The connection between courses has a seam. The molded areas in the middle of the course do not.

To remove a piece of siding, unhook the piece above it by inserting the removal tool where the pieces overlap. Use the tool to pull down on the hooked edge, then gently pull the siding from the piece below it. When the pieces separate, slide the tool along the hooked edge while lifting the loose end away from the building. Once the piece is free, hold it out of the way while you use a cat’s paw to pull the siding nails. After you’ve removed all the nails, push the siding piece straight down to free it from the course below. Continue pulling nails and removing courses until you’ve removed all that’s necessary.

1) Insert the removal tool. Starting at a receiving channel or overlap, slide the removal tool between two pieces of siding.
2) Pull down and out. Unhook the siding from the previous course by sliding the tool along the seam while gently pulling down and out with the tool and your other hand.
3) Pull the nails. Use a cat’s paw to pull the siding nails. Put the cat’s paw between the nail and the siding to prevent breaking the slotted nail hole.
4) Slide the panel down. Once the nails are removed, unhook the siding piece from the previous course by pulling it straight down. Gently bend the panel to free it from receiving channels.

Insert the removal tool.
Pull down and out.
Pull the nails.
Slide the panel down.

Reinstall vinyl siding

To reinstall vinyl siding, reverse the removal process. Hook the siding onto the course below or the starter strip (for first courses). Confirm that the piece is fully hooked by pulling up gently and sliding it side to side. If it doesn’t slide easily, make sure it is fully hooked onto the course below.

Pushing on the overlap with your palm will often reveal any problem spots. Small humps— especially those that yield when pushed on—are spots where the courses are not fully mated. Push on the area while pulling up on the siding until the two pieces are fully joined. You’ll often hear a satisfying zipping sound as two uncooperative siding pieces are joined together.

Nailing the siding too tight causes unsightly creases and buckling. To prevent this, center the nails in the nail slot but don’t drive them home. There should be the thickness of a dime between the nail head and the siding.

Don’t fully insert the siding into J-channel, outside corners, and window flanges. Leave 1/4 in. between the end of the siding and the receiving channel to allow for expansion. In temperatures below 40°F, leave 3/8 in.

One final tip: For long runs with overlaps, orient the overlaps so they’re consistent throughout the elevation.

5) Reverse the steps. Reinstall panels by pushing in and up until they fully grip the course below. Fully hooked siding panels slide easily for expansion and contraction.
6) Drive the nails. Centered in the slot, drive in hot-dipped galvanized or aluminum roofing nails. Leave 1/16 in. to 1/32 in. between the nail head and the siding.
7) Receiving channels first. Before reattaching the bottom edge with the siding tool, insert the piece into J-channel, corners, and trim.
8) Reattach with two hands. Use the siding tool to pull down on the upper panel while you push inward with your other hand. Work from one end toward the other.
9) Test the connection. Pull up gently on the siding after reinstallation to be sure the two pieces are fully attached.

Reverse the steps.
Drive the nails.
Receiving channels first.
Reattach with two hands.
Test the connection.

Vinyl-siding tools

Working with vinyl siding requires a pair of specialized tools. To unhook a vinyl-siding panel from a preceding course, you’ll need a siding-removal tool. The tool’s small hook frees or reattaches it to the course below. The top course and those below windows and other obstructions generally require a snap-lock punch, which makes small tabs that lock panels into utility trim.

Product photos: Dan Thornton; other photos: Andy Engel

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Beat the Heat: Cool Innovations
  • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Sorting Through Siding: IBS Expert Roundtable
  • Shim Trim With Screws

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: When to Use Coil Stock on Fascia and Rake Trim
  • Wrapping PVC Box Beams
  • Installing a PVC Porch Ceiling
  • Creating and Installing PVC Tapered Columns
View All

Other Materials

View All Other Materials Articles
  • Architectural Salvage in Atlanta
  • Cutting Plastic Pipe
  • How to Fight a Beetle Infestation
View All Other Materials Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data